How is my skin oily and flaky at the same time?

Author: Mabelle Smitham  |  Last update: Friday, November 21, 2025

Yes, even oily skin needs moisture . Without an oily skin moisturizer, your skin can become dehydrated, leading to dryness and even more oil production as your skin tries to compensate. This combination leaves your skin feeling both oily and dry at the same time.

Why is my skin flaky and oily at the same time?

Many oily skin types can produce oil in the pores yet be dry on the skin surface. Dry, flaky skin can also result from the overuse of high concentration surface exfoliants that address blocked pores, however the skin surrounding the pores may become dry and inflamed.

What is combination oily and dry skin?

“Combination skin means that there are some areas of your face that are dry and other areas of your face that are more oily,” says Dr. Ugonabo. She explains that, for those with combo skin, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is commonly oily, and the cheeks are often drier.

Why is my skin type oily and dry?

Dehydration: Even oily skin can be dehydrated. Dehydration occurs when the skin lacks water, leading to a tight feeling, while the glands produce more oil to compensate. Harsh Products: Using harsh cleansers or exfoliants can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and tightness.

How to take care of oily, flaky skin?

Oily skin requires plenty of hydration. In fact, over-drying your skin may cause it to produce even more oil in response. Ideal options for oily skin can include lightweight, non-greasy face moisturizers with helpful ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.

how i repaired my skin barrier (not sponsored)

Why is my nose oily but flaky?

Why is my nose peeling but oily? Your nose can be peeling yet oily due to a combination of dehydration and excess oil production. This indicates your skin is losing moisture while trying to compensate with more sebum, highlighting the need for a gentle cleanser and proper hydration with oil-free moisturisers.

How to get rid of combination skin?

6 Dermatologist Tips for Combination Skin
  1. Use a gentle, oil-balancing cleanser. ...
  2. Exfoliate (with caution) ...
  3. Correct oily areas with blotting pads. ...
  4. Shop for a non-drying face mask with salicylic acid. ...
  5. Mix and match your moisturizers (or find a multi-tasking one) ...
  6. Prep your skin in the AM with a mattifying primer.

Can skin be dry but oily?

Having oily skin doesn't mean that your skin is hydrated - skin can be oily and dehydrated at the same time. The right oily skincare routine isn't only about balancing oil production it needs to address hydration too.

What is the T-zone on the face?

Your T-zone is made up of the 'T' shaped area spanning your forehead down to your nose and chin. Your T-zone contains more sebaceous glands than anywhere else on your face and so it is completely normal to appear more oily than other areas of your face.

How do you hydrate oily skin?

Choose light, water-based products to moisturize if you have oily skin. Gels, tonics, serums, milky textures and lotions make excellent options.

What is double cleansing?

“Double cleansing means cleansing your face twice, first with an oil-based product and then followed by a water-based cleanser,” explains Dr. Wu. The first step of using an oil-based cleanser is helpful when it comes to removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen.

Which moisturizer is best for oily skin?

Moisturizer for Oily Skin
  • Cica & Niacinamide Night Gel for Oily & Acne Prone Skin. ...
  • Watermelon + Glycolic Acid Matte Moisturizer. ...
  • JUST IN. ...
  • BESTSELLER. ...
  • BESTSELLER. ...
  • TOP PICK. ...
  • BESTSELLER. Retinol + Ceramide Night Cream, Pack of 2. ...
  • Cica & Niacinamide Night Gel, Pack of 2. Oily & Acne-Prone Skin.

How to tell if you have combo skin?

Someone with combination skin may have dry cheeks but an oily forehead. If your skin is oily to the touch and you feel textured blemishes and uneven skin texture caused by enlarged pores, then you've located oily skin. If you notice patches of both types on your face, then you may have combination skin.

What is combination to oily skin mean?

When talking about combination skin, it means we have at least two different types of facial skin and may need to adjust our skincare habits accordingly. The main variations of combination skin are typically: Either oily or normal skin around the T-Zone area of the face. This includes the nose, forehead and chin.

Why is my T-zone flaky and oily?

The answer, though, is pretty straightforward: The area of the T-zone tends to have more sebaceous glands, or oil glands, than the other parts of your face. This can make your skin appear greasy and may also contribute to related concerns like clogged pores, congestion, and T-zone acne breakouts.

Where is the death zone on your face?

On your face, the top of your triangle is on the bridge of your nose. The base starts at either corner of your mouth and extends across the bottom of your upper lip.

Why is the T-zone so oily?

Hormonal fluctuations: The sebaceous glands located in this area are sensitive to hormonal fluctuations, making hormonal changes the most common cause of an oily T-zone. When hormone levels spike, these glands produce excess sebum, resulting in a shiny, oily appearance.

Where is stress acne located?

Stress acne commonly appears on the face, especially on the forehead, jawline, and cheeks. However, it can also develop on other oil-prone areas like the back or chest.

Why is my skin peeling and oily at the same time?

Without an oily skin moisturizer, your skin can become dehydrated, leading to dryness and even more oil production as your skin tries to compensate. This combination leaves your skin feeling both oily and dry at the same time.

How to tell if skin is dehydrated or oily?

Another hallmark of dehydrated skin is that it's often accompanied by a normal to even excessive amount of oil on the skin. Despite excess oil, the skin still feels tight or dry everywhere on your face, and these signs are often accompanied by flaking, which can be beyond frustrating.

How to remove dead skin from oily face?

HOME REMEDIES TO REMOVE DEAD SKIN CELLS
  1. Coffee scrub. Coffee grounds make an effective exfoliant for removing dead skin cells. ...
  2. Oatmeal scrub. All skin types benefit from Oatmeal's gritty and granular texture for removing dead . ...
  3. Orange peel powder. ...
  4. Gram flour. ...
  5. Dry brushing.

What triggers combination skin?

What causes combination skin? A variety of factors can trigger combination skin, but often it comes down to the luck of the draw in terms of what you inherited from your parents. Seasonal climate changes may also factor in and the types of skin care products you're using can absolutely exacerbate combination skin (1).

How to get clear skin?

Follow these tips for gentle skin care:
  1. Limit bath time. Some experts say it's ideal to bathe for no longer than five minutes at a time. ...
  2. Don't use strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from the skin. ...
  3. Shave carefully. ...
  4. Pat dry. ...
  5. Moisturize dry skin.

What does toner do for your face?

what does toner do for your face? It removes any dirt or grime that remains after cleansing, but does so gently. And toners help prep your skin for those products you're putting on after — think serums, moisturizers, night creams, etc. The outer layer of your skin is a mixture of oils and proteins.

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